Thinking Of Using Irish Single Malts in Cocktails? You Should.

Thinking Of Using Irish Single Malts in Cocktails? You Should.

For a common spirit, why is Irish whiskey so rarely used in cocktails?

Outside of an Irish coffee, Irish whiskey has never really found its breakout classic cocktail that patrons might flock to, like the popularity of a Negroni for Campari or a margarita for tequila. Far more than just a shot of Jameson or Bushmills, a taste of some of the higher-quality single-malt, pot-still Irish whiskies shows that this spirit — though often more subtle in style — can easily compete with the flavor of a great scotch and appeal to American whiskey fans. Using it in cocktails, however, requires a bit more nuance.

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For acclaimed bartender Joaquín Simó, Irish whiskey can be an incredibly versatile spirit, whether it be stirred and spirit-forward, or even used in a citrusy summer drink. At his NYC bar Pouring Ribbons, he lightly frames the Knappogue Castle 12-year single malt with herbal liqueurs and honey for his Emerald Old Fashioned. Green Chartreuse, Dolin Génépy and honey add a unique spectrum of botanicals, along with a mint garnish, which both stand clear of the distinct malted barley flavor of the whiskey.

With other whiskies — such as the spiciness of a rye, the oak and sweet nose of bourbon or the smoke of a heated scotch — the elements easily stand out in a cocktail. For Irish whiskey, pulling out the honey and grain flavors inherently found in the spirit with just the right balance requires a bit more attention, but with a great payoff in the end. Spirits like Knappogue’s 12-year —or also their 14-year expression, which is decidedly woodier than the 12-year due to its use of both Bourbon and Oloroso casks — can make for an incredible drink and a good reason for why ordering an Irish whiskey cocktail should be less of an anomaly. One sip of this Old Fashioned would convince anyone. Enjoy.